I was going to tell you about the busiest week I've ever had.  And I was going to tell you about the most EXHAUSTING day in the busiest week ever, but I'm tired.  And I really think you just want to know about my socks (and my shawl and my ribby cardi, but those just have to wait).  The socks are done.

For those who have asked... the yarn is Regia Mini-Ringel color 5340.  If you find any out there, get another two balls for me!  I've searched high and low for this colorway and  5343 (hint, hint), and no luck.  I got this at elann.com back in April.  I believe it was only $3.50 a ball.  It was sold out in like a day.  Though I'm pretty glad I snagged some because I've lusted after it ever since I first saw Lara's.  And I think 5343 was brought to my attention by Sarah.  They've got the best taste.
I have worked on blocking my shawl.

Here it is in the bath I gave it on Friday night.  And then, I realized that I was crazy to do that at that very minute because I'd had a total of three hours sleep, and really, I NEEDED to get some sleep!  Why, you may ask?  Because last week was the busiest week.  EVER.  Trip to California, two classes that I've been working my butt off for (YAY!!!!  They're over... now I just have one more to go), and a bridal shower.

Seriously, I'm exhausted.  And so looking forward to the three day weekend.  The shawl will get properly washed and blocked, the ribby cardi knitting will be complete, and I might even have a sock for my SSS Swap partner.

I so would have been done with these, however, I'm kind of a moron.

The second sock got started with 4 stitches too few.  And I got all the way to turning the heel, and realized it.  So, while at LAX, I ripped the sock back to the ribbing and increased my 4 stitches.  I actually liked it better without the 4 stitches, but there was no way I was ripping the entire first sock out.  NO.  WAY.   I'll probably finish these tomorrow night or the next night, which is kind of cool because I just started them last Tuesday.  They're just plain socks, but this is the fastest I've ever knit a pair of socks.  It helps that I stayed home on Saturday night and just knit.  And it also helps that I spent six hours on a plane.    So I'll have a finished pair of socks this week. 

I received my Second Sock Syndrome Swap partner, and I'm a little scared.  I got the organizer!!! (I think she knows, so there's no harm in saying anything here)  I really don't plan on sharing my sock on the blog until she receives the package.  But I will be working on that once I'm done with my mini-ringel socks.   Oh, socks, how I've missed you...

I could resist signing up for the Second Sock Syndrome Swap. I had seen it referenced on a few blogs over the last week or so, and on Friday, I took the plunge.

1. What are you favorite sock yarns?
I like Socks that Rock, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, and Trekking XXL. I'd love to knit with Claudia's Handpainted, and really any handpainted yarn is fantastic! You may want to see my collection for a better idea of what I like.

2. What are your least favorite sock yarns? Anything you just cannot use?
I DO NOT like COTTON yarns. ANY cotton content, and I'm over it. I also do not like self-patterning yarns, however, self-striping yarns are a different story. Also (am I the pickiest EVER?), I don't like heavy-weight yarns. I really like sock yarns that knit on a size 1 needle. Size 2 is even pushing it, though I can be flexible.
3. What method do you prefer to use (DPN's, 2 circs, 1 circ, etc.)
I prefer 2 circs, but I have made socks on DPN's. I've practiced the Magic Loop method, and may very well do my swap partner's socks using the Magic Loop.

4. Is there any method that you cannot use?
Ummm... no, I don't think so.

5. What are you favorite colors?
I really like reds, and pinks, and purples, but blues are great, too. As are greens. Yellow and black, not so much.

6. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or more advanced sock knitter?
I suppose intermediate. But honestly, I haven't knit that many pairs of socks. I'm not afraid of a challenge, though. As long as it doesn't require using size 0000's. I think that might be difficult.

7. Any other info you want to share (such as other likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc)?
I also crochet (though crochet socks are a NO NO), and I'm getting into making jewelry. I sew, as well.

8. What size is your foot (so your partner can create the right size sock)?
I wear a size 7 1/2 shoe. Two years ago, though, I was a size 6. Is that weird or what??!?!

That is about it. If my SSS Swap partner has any other questions, let me know!

I finished the shawl!!!! I finished the shawl!!!!!

OK, so you can't really tell it is done, but it really is off the needles. Now... for the blocking. I'm going to attempt to do that tonight, but you know how I am... I may not get around to it. But I'm so excited to be done with the wedding shawl. When I took it off the needles I was shocked to see how LONG it was! It is going to be perfect for my best friend's wedding.

I've also been working on my purply project (from Project Spectrum July) - the fingerless mitts. However, it isn't going so well. I think I have to RIP (again). I'm not going to work on the fingerless mitts for a while, because they are annoying me so. Instead, I'm trying to finish up some unfinished projects. I worked on the ribby cardi.

I'm almost to the sleeve cap shaping. I've woven in the ends on all the other pieces and just need to block them.  Again... I'll get to that this week.  I'll be happy to have this off of the needles, because its starting to get cold in my office.  I'll be glad to have a cardigan to throw on.

I also need to finish Super-Secret Christmas Project Number 1.  But I need more yarn.  I bought this yarn down in the Outer Banks, and I'm still not sure where to buy yarn here in Ohio.  I've found a few yarn shops, but none quite like the LYS in Maryland.  One of the shops is THE most disorganized place I've ever been to, however, they have cheap Addi's.  Another place is also a quilt shop.  Actually, it is a quilt shop.  No knitters work there (or have been working when I've gone in).  The final shop I've been to is just very large, and it doesn't seem to have great customer service.  It's also quite far.  I haven't explored the other shops in the area, since I've honestly got enough yarn (for now).

Moseph!!!

YAY! YARN!!! I've e-mailed you to get your address. Congrats!

My comment milestone has been reached.  I didn't realize it was a post milestone, too!

I did upgrade my blog in the spring, and there were way more comments on those blog entries.  I did import the old blog entries, but I didn't import the comments (who the heck knows how to do that?)  So really, those stats aren't true to when I started posting, but you get the drift.  100 Comments!!! YAY!!!!

Remember, I'm giving away yarn.  Leave a comment before Sunday, midnight, and your name will be entered to win FREE YARN!  I'll use a random number generator to draw the winner!  Good luck!!!

So I've been a bit stressed out lately. BIG project at work. With MAJOR DEADLINES this week! And I'm so not digging it. All I want to do is crawl into the fetal position and sleep. But I can't do that. And to top it all off... PMS!

On Tuesday, I was feeling slightly freaked out, but I was also seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I decided to treat myself to a movie with my friend Amanda (she's a non-knitter... currently. She already told me she needed to buy yarn, so I'm working on converting her). We saw Clerks. And can I tell you? Kevin Smith is AMAZING! Now, the movie is definitely not for everyone, but at a time when I needed a good laugh, it fit the bill just fine. It was better than fine! It made my DAY! Amanda and I went out to dinner, and we chatted, and it was just an all around fantastic night! To top it off, I came home and had a few comments to reply to. Comments always make me smile

Speaking of comments... how about a little comment contest. I'm about to hit a milestone with my comments. It isn't necessarily a "true" milestone, because, in the spring, I upgraded my software, so my comment count was basically reset. But its a milestone from the time that I upgraded. And I kind of feel like being generous. So... anyone who comments on this post before midnight, Sunday, August 6, will be entered to win these beauties

Yea... I have too much sock yarn, and I'm thinking of creative ways to destash Good luck!